Combined container and straw



Feb. 20, 1962 M. COHEN ETAL COMBINED CONTAINER AND STRAW Filed June 13, 1961 IN VEN TORS.

MAX COHEN EDWARD R. ELSTON FIG. 4.

United tates Patent 3,921,991 ?atented Feb. 20, 1962 3,021,991 COMBINED CONTAINER AND STRAW Max Cohen and Edward R. Elston, both of 9183 Amador Ave., Ontario, Calif. Filed June 13, 1961, Ser. No. 116,843 3 Claims. (Cl. 229-7) therefrom which covers the end of the straw which projects outside of the container.

A further object of this invention resides in the fact that the straw covering tab protects the straw from contamination and seals the air vent, and, after use of the straw may be partially resealed for continued use.

Another object of this invention allows entirely independent use of either the pouring spout or the straw.

Although the foregoing objects are regarded as primary in this invention, other features will become apparent as the specification proceeds and from the illustration in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the combined container and straw as it appears in closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof, with parts of the container broken away and showing the straw in position for use.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and shown to a somewhat enlarged scale.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but showing a modified form of the closure means for the vent opening.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings in detail, and more particularly to FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 the container is designated generally by the reference character 1 and is the shape and form of a rather conventional carton or container, not unlike the type used for dispensing milk or like beverages.

The essential feature of novelty of the invention resides in the sipping straw 4 which, prior to use is tightly sealed by the tab 3 as shown in FIG. 1. This tab is hingedly secured to the top center portion of the container and is intergral with the main pouring spout seal 2 which is provided with a usual type of depressed well formation.

It will be observed that the firmly seated pouring spout seal 2 together with the securing clip provides a good support for the straw cover 3, and facilitates the sealing process when the containers are being filled, then pressed and crimped into the position ready for use.

By reference to the straw 4 it will be noted that indentations -6 are provided to prevent a buckling or deforming of the said straw prior to use. There is a vent 5 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 which is sealed when tab 3 is closed.

In a modified form, shown in FIG. 4, the venting opening is sealed by a complementary element projecting from the tab 3. In this form the straw extends only to the venting opening, instead of across the same as indicated in FIG. 2.

While we have shown and described certain specific forms of our invention, in a preferred form, it is understood that various changcs and modifications may be made, as deemed desirable within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a liquid container having an enclosed volume and a ported top, the combination comprising a straw extending from the bottom of said container through a tight-fitting hole in the top center thereof, and extending to a corner of the recessed top and being held in a bent position by a sealing tab which tightly encloses the outer end of the straw and seals a vent opening thereunder, the said sealing tab being held in closed position by crimping at an outer corner and being integrally formed with a conventional pouring spout seal, and being hingedly fastened to the container top to provide access to the straw.

2. In a liquid container having an enclosed volume and a ported top, the combination comprising a straw extending from the bottom of said container through a tight-fitting hole in the top center thereof, said straw being indented at the point of contact with the edge of the hole and extending to a corner of the recessed top and being held in a bent position by a sealing tab which tightly encloses the outer end of the straw and seals a vent opening thereunder, the said sealing tab being held in closed position by crimping at an outer corner and I being integrally formed with a conventional pouring spout seal, and being hingedly fastened to the container top to provide access to the straw.

3. In a liquid container having an enclosed volume and a ported top, the combination comprising a straw extending from the bottom of said container through a tight-fitting hole in the top center thereof, said straw being indented at the point of contact with the edge of the hole, and extending to the venting hole in the recessed top and being held in a bent position by a sealing tab which encloses the outer end of the straw and seals a vent opening thereunder by means of a projection from the straw sealing tab, the said sealing tab being held in closed position by crimping at an outer corner and being integrally formed with a conventional pouring spout seal, and being hingedly fastened to the container top to provide access to the straw.

Pugh July 23, 1957 Petriccione July 22, 1958 

